This got me thinking there are probably other items we need to upgrade in a mountain STR.So here's my question for those with experience in the area: What other items or upgrades do I need in a mountain home STR that are not obvious to a newbie/city dweller?

They occupy a property 60-70% of the time , nights booked per year and are not in the property most of time while on vacation.Set your mind at ease by triple net leasing your property( leasing company pays for furniture, RE taxes, insurance and interior maintenance.)

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.

I want to continue renting it out, does anyone have a lease agreement for renting out a garage?!

If this is an investment property that's leased and performing, DSCR cashout is probably the simplest path. 

Throw in uncooperative tenant, sex offender, children living within and nearby, and no current lease, and you should be running to the nearest attorney as fast as you can. 

For mortgages without 2 years of income, consider non-QM loans or partner with someone more experienced, and don’t overlook creative options like seller financing or lease-to-own.

If I'm able to make a cash purchase, do you recommend stabilizing the property before seeking a DSCR loan i.e. is it better to use a DCR based on real rental income once the property is leased or based on a rent appraiser before leasing?

Buildium would help with the expense tracking but also enable PM tasks such as lease renewals, maintenance requests, rent collection, etc.

I own 6 homes in forney. also helped my clients purchasing 200+ homes in Forney area and helped them leasing for good positive cashflows.